Transitions

Satomi’s medical treatment is focused now on therapy, regaining her strength and learning to compensate for her chronic dizziness and vision problems.  Doctors visits are mostly for maintenance and periodic check-ups.  Safe to say that much of her life can not return to some level of routine.

As you probably figured from the brief description of Satomi’s progress in my “A Month Off” posting, she has enough strength to do household chores.  It’s been going on for about 3 weeks and she seems to be adjusting just fine.  While I’m sure some of you aren’t happy with the notion of Satomi doing housework, her newfound stamina couldn’t have come at a better time.  Things are changing around here.

Some are more significant than others and some will seem a bit superficial.  All are intended to reduce demands on my time and thought.  This is the practical part of my master plan to return to a normal life.

A couple of weeks ago my father moved back in with us to help with the kids.  He’s getting the girls ready in the morning as well as dropping off and picking up the girls from school.  It’s a key responsibility that I no longer have to schedule around.  That’s a huge relief to me.

I hired a landscaper and a house cleaner.  So far they do an excellent job and the visual is quite dramatic-at least for me anyway.  It’s expensive but during my self-reflection these past weeks I’ve learned that some of the smallest things can make a real difference to my state of mind.  It feels good to come home to a neat yard and clean house.  It makes me feel like I’m in control of my out-of-control life. 

I’m screening pool cleaning people now.  I need to resuscitate our spa so Satomi can use it for more Physical Therapy.  It’s very green so it’s going to take a bit of work.  It’s been over a year since we’ve used it so it’ll be fun for Satomi and the girls.

The girls just started summer camp and their traditional summer-time swim class.  Kandice jumped into the water like a fish and Jillian actually put her face under the water.  They loved it!

There’s a lot more to this plan but so far so good.